Take Time To Sharpen The Saw

Habit #7 in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is called “Sharpen the Saw.” Covey describes a woodcutter who is sawing for several days straight and is becoming less and less productive. Cutting dulls the blade and the solution is to sharpen the saw; however, the woodcutter is too busy cutting to take time out to sharpen his saw and is stuck in an unproductive cycle.

Many leaders believe taking time off or going on vacations sharpens the saw; this is putting the saw down not necessarily improving yourself.Sharpening the saw requires an activity that is targeted at self improvement. Here are some saw sharpening activities we’ve seen:

Embark on an extensive exercise program

Take a class (cooking, economics, leadership, etc.)

Eat at least one healthy meal each day

Volunteer at church, Rotary, Lions or other industry committees

Meditate for ten minutes each day

Organize your work area

Read a literary classic

Let us know what have you done to sharpen your saw lately. Empower yourself to take time for self improvement and you’ll be more successful cutting down your trees.